Black Tern in sun reflection

Image Critiques
1

cat2_ tern in front of sun reflexion-watermarked.jpg
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Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction

Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.

Questions to guide your feedback

What’s your initial emotional response to this image?

Other Information

Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.

Image Description

Black Terns were feeding their chicks on pols of a fish trap. I used my boat to position me between this bird and the refection of the setting sun.

Technical Details

ISO 640. f: 9. 1/1600s

Specific Feedback

Feedback on emotional impact and artistic value

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
Technical:

2

Nice silhouette of the tern, Armin, and love the sunset colors. I think I’d like to see more of the sunset, particularly in the area of the tail. Otherwise, I’d be inclined to crop from the right.

3

Beautiful silhouette, Armin. I get a feeling of energy from the tern, contrasting a bit with the peacefulness of the setting sun. I’m not sure you need all the blank canvas on the right-a square crop might be interesting for this image. Either way it’s a very striking image.

Welcome to the avian forum. I look forward to seeing a lot more of your work and reading your comments on other people’s efforts.

4

interesting take on the tern with a great silhouette and wing position. You caught a great moment.

5

I saw this image a couple of days ago and didn’t have the time to comment. But Wow!

Love the colour of sunset and the birds pose is perfect for a silhouette. I also think the bird is placed perfectly in the the frame.

6

I love the concept and colors. I think Dennis is spot on with his analysis of the composition. Because of the graphic nature of this subject, it should be centered in my mind. All the empty space on the right makes it feel uneven. I’d opt for either a square as mentioned, or a vertical, though if there’s more room up top in the original frame, I’d reintroduce that to provide balance between top and bottom. The top feels tight.